Bodemeister Drills for Derby

Bodemeister put in his final workout for the Kentucky Derby this morning at Churchill Downs, breezing five furlongs in company with Jemima's Pearl. His move was preceded by one from Optimizer.

The Bob Baffert trainee was timed in :59.60 (2/10) on a muddy/sealed track following heavy rain and hail the night before. He was out during the time reserved for Derby horses following the renovation break.

Bodemester broke off four lengths back of his work mate and finished a neck in front and outside of her after getting on even terms at the top of the stretch. Internal splits caught by track clockers were :36.40 and :48.00. Bodemeister galloped out six furlongs in 1:12.20, seven in 1:25.40 and a mile 1:39.80.

Jemima's Pearl was timed in 1:00.40. Her splits were :37.20 and :48.80, out six furlongs in 1:13.80.

Optimizer, who's next in line to make the Kentucky Derby field for trainer Wayne Lukas if there are any defections, also breezed five furlongs, going the distance in 1:00.40 (4/10). His internal fractions were :11.80, :23.60, :36.00 and :48.00. He galloped out six furlongs in 1:14.80.

Further report in a separate story will follow on workouts at Palm Meadows by Gemologist and El Padrino if weather permits.